My best explanation for why there is an absence of petite models in the industry is that there is no demand. The modeling industry is first and foremost a business and their job is to make money. Therefore, they go where the demand is.
Do I think it's fair? Of course not...if petite modeling got its fair shot I--and a whole lot of other models--would be getting way more work! So how can petite modeling get into the limelight? That is open for debate but I believe that creating opportunities is one way.
It isn't easy to try and influence or change a system that has been in motion and set in its ways for decades so be aware that tackling this beast is going to be an uphill battle and the results won't be apparent overnight.
Use the Internet to find sites, organizations and companies that support not only petite models but petite women in general. Only when the general populace speaks out will there be a chance for shorter models. Commercial/print is great and does give some models a fighting shot at a modeling career but you have to remember that petite modeling is supposed to be the same as runway modeling and there are many young women out there that want to do runway shows, not just do print work in front of a camera.
I came across this really great and informative site called Bella Petite and if you really want to have a say in influencing the modeling industry's perception of petite models, I would suggest checking out their site and being a part of their cause. If anything, at least you can find resources and topics of interest that you can relate to.
Suffice it to say that I don't really read high fashion magazines because as a model, I can't really relate to any of the models that grace the pages. I'll never put down tall models (that's not acceptable in my opinion) but sites like Bella Petite definitely make some strong and valid points when it comes to height discrimination in the industry.
While those that support the archaic ways of the modeling industry (runway in particular) will continue to rely on the same explanations and reasons why taller is better, I think it is important to still participate in the cause to bring more petite runway models to the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve.
Petite models don't want to overthrow traditional runway models--they simply want to be included and I don't see anything wrong with that in the slightest.
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